Member of the Violaceae (Violet) family. Grows in dry woods, meadows, 6 - 16 inches, April - June. The leaves and stems are covered with soft hairs (down); leaves are heart-shaped and there occasionally may be 1 basal leaf. Stipules are toothed. Flowers are yellow, 5-parted, 1"-1 1/2" wide, petals with brownish veins near the base. Downy yellow violet has stems that bear both leaves and flowers.